GRB 130603B: No Compelling Evidence for Neutron Star Merger

The near infrared (NIR) flare/rebrightening in the afterglow of the short hard gamma ray burst (SHB) 130603B measured with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and an alleged late-time X-ray excess were interpreted as possible evidence of a neutron star merger origin of SHBs. However, the X-ray afterglow that was measured with the Swift XRT and Newton XMM has the canonical behaviour of a synchrotron afterglow produced by a highly relativistic jet. The H-band flux observed with HST 9.41 days after burst is that expected from the measured late-time X-ray afterglow. The late-time flare/rebrightening of the NIR-optical afterglow of SHB 130603B could have been produced also by jet collision with an interstellar density bump. Moreover, SHB plus a kilonova can be produced also by the collapse of a compact star (neutron star, strange star, or quark star) to a more compact object due to cooling, loss of angular momentum, or mass accretion.

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Large-amplitude late-time radio variability in GRB 151027B

Astronomy and Astrophysics ◽

10.1051/0004-6361/201731755 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 614 ◽

pp. A29 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

J. Greiner ◽

J. Bolmer ◽

M. Wieringa ◽

A. J. van der Horst ◽

D. Petry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Amplitude ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Gamma Ray ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Constant Density ◽

Late Time ◽

Slow Cooling ◽

Data Set ◽

X Ray ◽

Radio Band

Context. Deriving physical parameters from gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow observations remains a challenge, even 20 years after the discovery of afterglows. The main reason for the lack of progress is that the peak of the synchrotron emission is in the sub-mm range, thus requiring radio observations in conjunction with X-ray/optical/near-infrared data in order to measure the corresponding spectral slopes and consequently remove the ambiguity with respect to slow vs. fast cooling and the ordering of the characteristic frequencies. Aims. We have embarked on a multifrequency, multi-epoch observing campaign to obtain sufficient data for a given GRB that allows us to test the simplest version of the fireball afterglow model. Methods. We observed GRB 151027B, the 1000th Swift-detected GRB, with GROND in the optical–near-IR, ALMA in the sub-millimeter, ATCA in the radio band; we combined this with public Swift/XRT X-ray data. Results. While some observations at crucial times only return upper limits or surprising features, the fireball model is narrowly constrained by our data set, and allows us to draw a consistent picture with a fully determined parameter set. Surprisingly, we find rapid, large-amplitude flux density variations in the radio band which are extreme not only for GRBs, but generally for any radio source. We interpret them as scintillation effects, though their extreme nature requires the scattering screen to be at a much smaller distance than usually assumed, multiple screens, or a combination of the two. Conclusions. The data are consistent with the simplest fireball scenario for a blast wave moving into a constant-density medium, and slow-cooling electrons. All fireball parameters are constrained at or better than a factor of 2, except for the density and the fraction of the energy in the magnetic field which has a factor of 10 uncertainty in both directions.

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The case for a high-redshift origin of GRB 100205A

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/stz1811 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 488 (1) ◽

pp. 902-909

Author(s):

A A Chrimes ◽

A J Levan ◽

E R Stanway ◽

E Berger ◽

J S Bloom ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Star Formation ◽

Galaxy Evolution ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Gamma Ray ◽

Hubble Space Telescope ◽

High Redshift ◽

Gamma Ray Bursts ◽

Host Galaxy ◽

Late Time ◽

Time Limits

Abstract The number of long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) known to have occurred in the distant Universe (z > 5) is small (∼15); however, these events provide a powerful way of probing star formation at the onset of galaxy evolution. In this paper, we present the case for GRB 100205A being a largely overlooked high-redshift event. While initially noted as a high-z candidate, this event and its host galaxy have not been explored in detail. By combining optical and near-infrared Gemini afterglow imaging (at t < 1.3 d since burst) with deep late-time limits on host emission from the Hubble Space Telescope, we show that the most likely scenario is that GRB 100205A arose in the range 4 < z < 8. GRB 100205A is an example of a burst whose afterglow, even at ∼1 h post burst, could only be identified by 8-m class IR observations, and suggests that such observations of all optically dark bursts may be necessary to significantly enhance the number of high-redshift GRBs known.

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X-Ray Bursts

Highlights of Astronomy ◽

10.1017/s1539299600002446 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 101-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

George W. Clark

Keyword(s):

Neutron Star ◽

Compact Star ◽

Compact Object ◽

Gravitational Potential Energy ◽

X Rays ◽

High Luminosity ◽

Emission Pattern ◽

X Ray ◽

Accretion Rates ◽

Nuclear Burning

Most of the variable phenomena of high-luminosity (≳1036erg s−1) stellar X-ray sources can be explained, at least qualitatively, within the general framework of binary accretion models in which thermal X-rays are emitted in the vicinity of a neutron star or blackhole by plasma that has flowed downhill from the surface of a nuclear burning companion and been heated by conversion of its gravitational potential energy. The yield of X-ray energy in this process is so high, exceeding in some cases 0.1c2per unit mass, that X-ray luminosities in excess of 104L⊙can be generated with accretion rates of only ˜10−BM⊙per year. Since the transfer process depends strongly on many parameters that specify the relevant properties of two stars and their interaction, one finds a remarkable variety and range of X-ray phenomena. If the compact object is a magnetized neutron star, rotation will cause its X-ray emission pattern to sweep over a distant observer and thereby produce regular pulsations like those observed with periods in the range from 1 to 103seconds. Orbital motions can cause regular eclipses and absorption dips like those observed with periods in the range from hours to days. Changes in the rate of mass loss by the nuclear burning star or in the transfer efficiency can account for the variations in intrinsic X-ray luminosities that appear as flares, novae and on-off transitions. Irregularities in the flow of plasma near the compact star can also affect the intrinsic luminosity and appear as erratic fluctuations, spikes and shot-noise in the observed intensity.

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Imprints of r-process heating on fall-back accretion: distinguishing black hole–neutron star from double neutron star mergers

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/stz644 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 485 (3) ◽

pp. 4404-4412 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

D Desai ◽

B D Metzger ◽

F Foucart

Keyword(s):

Black Holes ◽

Black Hole ◽

Neutron Star ◽

Gamma Ray ◽

Late Time ◽

X Ray ◽

Power Law Decay ◽

Process Heating ◽

R Process ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACT Mergers of compact binaries containing two neutron stars (NS–NS), or a neutron star and a stellar mass black hole (NS–BH), are likely progenitors of short-duration gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs). A fraction ${\gtrsim } 20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of SGRBs is followed by temporally extended (≳minute-long), variable X-ray emission, attributed to ongoing activity of the central engine. One source of late-time engine activity is fall-back accretion of bound tidal ejecta; however, observed extended emission light curves do not track the naively anticipated, uninterrupted t−5/3 power-law decay, instead showing a lull or gap in emission typically lasting tens of seconds after the burst. Here, we re-examine the impact of heating due to rapid neutron capture (r-process) nucleosynthesis on the rate of the fall-back accretion, using ejecta properties extracted from numerical relativity simulations of NS–BH mergers. Heating by the r-process has its greatest impact on marginally bound matter, hence its relevance to late-time fall-back. Depending on the electron fraction of the ejecta and the mass of the remnant black hole, r-process heating can imprint a range of fall-back behaviour, ranging from temporal gaps of up to tens of seconds to complete late-time cut-off in the accretion rate. This behaviour is robust to realistic variations in the nuclear heating experienced by different parts of the ejecta. Central black holes with masses ${\lesssim } 3\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ typically experience absolute cut-offs in the fall-back rate, while more massive ${\gtrsim } 6\!-\!8\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ black holes instead show temporal gaps. We thus propose that SGRBs showing extended X-ray emission arise from NS–BH, rather than NS–NS, mergers. Our model implies an NS–BH merger detection rate by LIGO that, in steady state, is comparable to or greater than that of NS–NS mergers.

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The missing compact star of SN1987A: a solid quark star?

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s1743921312024465 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 8 (S291) ◽

pp. 448-450

Author(s):

X. W. Liu ◽

J. D. Liang ◽

R. X. Xu ◽

J. L. Han ◽

G. J. Qiao

Keyword(s):

Compact Star ◽

Compact Object ◽

The Other ◽

Quark Star ◽

Cooling Process ◽

Cluster Star ◽

X Ray ◽

Supernova 1987A ◽

Upper Limit ◽

Parameter Constraints

AbstractTo investigate the missing compact star of Supernova 1987A, we analyzed the cooling and heating processes of a possible compact star based on the upper limit of observational X-ray luminosity. From the cooling process, we found that a solid quark-cluster star (SQS), having a stiffer equation of state than that of a conventional liquid quark star, has a heat capacity much smaller than a neutron star. The SQS can cool down quickly, naturally explaining the non-detection of a point source in X-ray wavelengths. On the other hand, we considered the heating processes due to magnetospheric activity and possible accretion and obtained some constraints on the parameters of a possible pulsar. Therefore, we concluded that a SQS can explain the observational limit in a confident parameter space. As a possible central compact object, the pulsar parameter constraints can be tested for SN1987A with advanced, future facilities.

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Using High-Mass X-ray binaries to probe massive binary evolution: The age distribution of High-Mass X-ray binaries in M33

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s1743921318007470 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (S346) ◽

pp. 322-331

Author(s):

Kristen Garofali ◽

Benjamin F. Williams

Keyword(s):

Gamma Ray ◽

Hubble Space Telescope ◽

Age Distribution ◽

Compact Object ◽

High Mass ◽

Host Galaxy ◽

Mass Star ◽

X Ray ◽

Massive Star Evolution ◽

X Ray Binaries

AbstractHigh-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) provide an exciting window into the underlying processes of both binary as well as massive star evolution. Because HMXBs are systems containing a compact object accreting from a high-mass star at close orbital separations they are also likely progenitors of gamma-ray bursts and gravitational wave sources. We present classification and age measurements for HMXBs in M33 using a combination of deep Chandra X-ray imaging, and archival Hubble Space Telescope data. We constrain the ages of the HMXB candidates by fitting the color-magnitude diagrams of the surrounding stars, which yield the star formation histories of the surrounding region. Unlike the age distributions measured for HMXB populations in the Magellanic Clouds, the age distribution for the HMXB population in M33 contains a number of extremely young (<5 Myr) sources. We discuss these results the context of the effect of host galaxy properties on the observed HMXB population.

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Aperiodic Flux Variability in A 0535+262

Symposium - International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s0074180900055777 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 165 ◽

pp. 313-319

Author(s):

Mark H. Finger ◽

Robert B. Wilson ◽

B. Alan Harmon ◽

William S. Paciesas

Keyword(s):

Neutron Star ◽

Gamma Ray ◽

Beat Frequency ◽

Power Spectra ◽

Center Frequency ◽

X Ray ◽

Binary Pulsar ◽

Transient Source ◽

Flux Variability ◽

Burst And Transient Source

A “giant” outburst of A 0535+262, a transient X-ray binary pulsar, was observed in 1994 February and March with the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) onboard the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory. During the outburst power spectra of the hard X-ray flux contained a QPO-like component with a FWHM of approximately 50% of its center frequency. Over the course of the outburst the center frequency rose smoothly from 35 mHz to 70 mHz and then fell to below 40 mHz. We compare this QPO frequency with the neutron star spin-up rate, and discuss the observed correlation in terms of the beat frequency and Keplerian frequency QPO models in conjunction with the Ghosh-Lamb accretion torque model.

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A Machine Learning Approach For Classifying Low-mass X-ray Binaries Based On Their Compact Object Nature

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/staa3899 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

R Pattnaik ◽

K Sharma ◽

K Alabarta ◽

D Altamirano ◽

M Chakraborty ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Black Hole ◽

Neutron Star ◽

Binary Systems ◽

Compact Object ◽

X Ray ◽

Average Accuracy ◽

Machine Learning Approach ◽

Low Mass ◽

X Ray Binaries

Abstract Low Mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are binary systems where one of the components is either a black hole or a neutron star and the other is a less massive star. It is challenging to unambiguously determine whether a LMXB hosts a black hole or a neutron star. In the last few decades, multiple observational works have tried, with different levels of success, to address this problem. In this paper, we explore the use of machine learning to tackle this observational challenge. We train a random forest classifier to identify the type of compact object using the energy spectrum in the energy range 5-25 keV obtained from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer archive. We report an average accuracy of 87±13% in classifying the spectra of LMXB sources. We further use the trained model for predicting the classes for LMXB systems with unknown or ambiguous classification. With the ever-increasing volume of astronomical data in the X-ray domain from present and upcoming missions (e.g., SWIFT, XMM-Newton, XARM, ATHENA, NICER), such methods can be extremely useful for faster and robust classification of X-ray sources and can also be deployed as part of the data reduction pipeline.

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UV and X-ray observations of the neutron star LMXB EXO 0748–676 in its quiescent state

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/staa3734 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 501 (1) ◽

pp. 1453-1462

Author(s):

A S Parikh ◽

N Degenaar ◽

J V Hernández Santisteban ◽

R Wijnands ◽

I Psaradaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neutron Star ◽

Thermal Emission ◽

Hubble Space Telescope ◽

Dense Matter ◽

Continuum Emission ◽

Quiescent State ◽

X Ray ◽

Low Level ◽

Low Mass ◽

Different Origins

ABSTRACT The accretion behaviour in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) at low luminosities, especially at <1034 erg s−1, is not well known. This is an important regime to study to obtain a complete understanding of the accretion process in LMXBs, and to determine if systems that host neutron stars with accretion-heated crusts can be used probe the physics of dense matter (which requires their quiescent thermal emission to be uncontaminated by residual accretion). Here, we examine ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray data obtained when EXO 0748–676, a crust-cooling source, was in quiescence. Our Hubble Space Telescope spectroscopy observations do not detect the far-UV continuum emission, but do reveal one strong emission line, C iv. The line is relatively broad (≳3500 km s−1), which could indicate that it results from an outflow such as a pulsar wind. By studying several epochs of X-ray and near-UV data obtained with XMM–Newton, we find no clear indication that the emission in the two wavebands is connected. Moreover, the luminosity ratio of LX/LUV ≳ 100 is much higher than that observed from neutron star LMXBs that exhibit low-level accretion in quiescence. Taken together, this suggests that the UV and X-ray emission of EXO 0748–676 may have different origins, and that thermal emission from crust-cooling of the neutron star, rather than ongoing low-level accretion, may be dominating the observed quiescent X-ray flux evolution of this LMXB.

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